1 Renovations

[Kevin]

Renovationalso called remodeling) is the process of improving broken, damaged, or outdated structures. Renovations are typically done on either commercial or residential buildings. Additionally, renovation can refer to making something new, or bringing something back to life and can apply in social contexts. For example, a community can be renovated if it is strengthened and revived. It can also be restoring something to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding). Renovation is very common in some places. For example, there are more than twenty thousand home improvement projects every year in Hong Kong, affecting more than a million residents[1] (population of HK is around 7.5 million in 2023).[2]

Projects involving renovation require not just flexibility, but a plan that had been agreed upon by multiple parties. The planning process will involve feedback from financial investors of the project, and from the designer. Part of planning will also entail the collection of data for the completion of the project and then the project plan will be revised and given consent before continuing with renovations.[6]

Technology has had a meaningful effect on the renovation process, increasing the significance and strength of the planning stage. The availability of free online design tools has improved visualization of the changes, at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional designer. The decision regarding changes is also influenced by the purpose of basement renovation [1]. Depending on the significance of these changes a professional may be required, especially if any changes other than cosmetic work (paint or finishes) is required. Many local codes require a professional to complete work in the built environment such as structural changes, new walls, new plumbing, or many others. Doing these changes without hiring a professional can result in health effects, safety concerns, damages, fines, and increased cost due to having to hire a professional after self-work.[7] Most builders focus on building new homes, so renovating is typically a part-time activity for such tradespeople. The processes and services required for renovations are quite specific and, once plans are signed off, building a new home is relatively predictable. However, during renovation projects, flexibility is often required from renovation companies to respond to unexpected issues that arise. Renovations usually require all of the sub-trades that are needed for the construction of a new building.

In case of a so-called "fix-and-flip" (repair and resell) objective, an ROI (return on investment) can result from changes to fix a structural issue, to fix design flow yield,[8] or to use light and color to make rooms appear more spacious. Because interior renovation could change of the internal structure of the house, ceiling construction, circuit configuration and partition walls, etc., such work related to the structure of the house, of course, also includes renovation of wallpaper posting, furniture settings, lighting, etc often times an interior designer is required as well.[9]

Other types of renovations also can be initiated for similar reasons. The user or owner of a building can change which can effect the needs or wants for the space prompting a renovation. This is becoming more popular as buildings owners are renting or leasing floors or sections of the buildings to companies which have different spacial requirements than the previous users causing needed renovation. Renovations can also occur as companies increase size which could lead to needed additional retail, office, or other types of spaces. Similarly to homes other building owners could also want renovations to increased value, make the building more energy efficient, green or sustainable, or to update the building.[13]

Wood is versatile and flexible, making it the easiest construction material for renovations, and wood buildings can be redesigned to suit changing needs. Few homeowners or professional remodelers possess the skill and equipment that is required to alter steel-frame or concrete structures.

When looking at embodied carbon in building materials wood is often labeled as the most sustainable. This is because it sequesters carbon which if certified sustainably sourced will significantly reduce embodied carbon of buildings. This makes it a low emitting choice for a building material for an overall building and for renovations.[14]

In North America, most structures are demolished because of external forces such as zoning changes and rising land values. Additionally, buildings that cannot be modified to serve the functional needs of the occupants are subject to demolition. Very few buildings on the continent are demolished due to structural degradation.[16]

Currently, worldwide 38% of emissions and 35% of energy use come from the building sector, including building construction and operation. This means renovations contribute to emissions and energy use of the building sector. These percentages are the largest portion of the total emissions and energy use globally.[18] This makes buildings have the highest potential for decreasing these percentages as well as the largest need to decrease them. Renovations are also one way to do this.

Renovations decrease emissions as instead of demolishing a building just to build a new one the building is reused. Reuse of buildings is not always desirable as it is often pursued to have a building designed for the many individual and unique needs building owners have but it is not always a necessity. Renovations can take a building and make it completely different from the old building just reusing the structure, which is often the largest contributor of embodied carbon to a building. However, in order to be able to do this buildings need to be design durably and re-use. Designing for durability and reuse is designing for new buildings to be "long lasting, use-adaptable, and culturally valuable"[14] to allow for the building to be kept for longer to minimize emissions from a complete rebuild.

Having these ideas in mind while designing new buildings significantly increases the likelihood for renovations to happen.[14] Buildings are more likely to be torn down because they can not accommodate the new desired use then because the structure is failing.[16] Renovations allow old buildings to fit new needs in a way that outputs less emissions than a complete tear down and construction of a new building which is often a feasible option.

Refined Renovations is an award winning, full-service team of expert architects, designers and craftsmen that work with equal parts passion and precision to imagine, design and build beautiful and inspiring places to live.

We create custom interiors for renovations and additions that feel fresh, timeless and impossibly clever. As a full-service design firm, our architects and designers will thoughtfully develop floorplans, interior drawings, custom cabinetry, finishes and selections to create a beautiful and inspired home.

We are a design-build firm specializing in residential renovations. Our specialty is in creating an environment that blends architectural elements, beautiful millwork and cabinetry, along with fine finishes. Our goal is to ensure that the renovation's style accentuates the home's character, resulting in a warm, inviting and refined space.

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The 2nd floor is currently closed for renovations. The ITS Tech Bar has been relocated to the 1st floor and the 3D Printing and Recording Studios are unavailable. Renovations are expected to be completed in fall 2024.

While Snell Library undergoes its extensive renovation, study space will be limited in certain areas. Students looking for study space can visit the Northeastern University Spaces page to locate study space elsewhere on the Boston campus.

Artistic Renovations provide our homeowners with the highest quality craftsmanship for additions, historical renovations, kitchen design, bathroom design, interior renovations, exterior renovations, complete whole house renovations and even help homeowners that are looking for a home.

We can help in preparing a budget to convert any house into their dream home. Each project is designed around the homeowner's life style. Our craftsmen love what they do and it shows in the wonderful projects and our clients love the results.

Artistic Renovations is organized of experienced artisans with decades of experience. We provide our clients with what they need to know and do to achieve their goals. Our personal approach is effective and aimed at keeping everyone on the same page.Each year the NARI Contractor of the Year Awards are given to members who have demonstrated outstanding design and craftsmanship through their remodeling projects. Over the years, weve won our share of awards and recognition.

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